With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season rapidly approaching, I find it that we don't take the time to settle down the really reflect on what really makes our world go around. As a college student, I look forward to the well deserved few days I get to go home for thanksgiving break and to catch up with my friends and family back home. Soon after though, it's already time to return to school with the thought of finals on all of our brains. However, the next for days, for me, will be focused on reflecting and appreciating what is really important. In hopes of better appreciating the things I usually under value, I've created a list of the non material things we should all take some time to think about this holiday season.
The ability to celebrate the holidays surrounded by family.
The pleasant weather that hasn't yet hindered our holiday plans.
Being able to afford to buy a coat and boots to keep us warm for the winter.
The ability to put food on the table for our loved ones on Thursday.
Smiling faces of our loved ones that we return to after a long semester thus far.
Laughter that is ever present in the company of old friends.
The beautiful fall scenery you see when driving home from school.
Waking up in your own bed.
Returning to your part time job and seeing all of your co workers for the first time in months.
Hugging your parents the second you get home.
Texting your college friends about how much you miss them after being apart for 72 hours.
Hearing "I'm proud of you" from your grandparents.
Seeing how excited your dog is when you are home for the first time in months.
Meals cooked with love.
Playing board games with your best friends instead of going out to a party, and having more fun than you could ever imagine.
The ability to hate the assignments you are assigned over break, because you wouldn't have them if you weren't lucky enough to attend college.
All of these things cannot be bought or put a price on. They are not found at a Black Friday (or more like Thursday night) sale at the local mall, and they are not able to be purchased no matter how long you stand in line for them. These things are the "good" things in life. The little things that make the holiday season enjoyable. Next time you think about the things you are thankful for, put a little thought into the intangible items that cannot be replaced or replicated. You more than likely will find that these things are, which are often overlooked and taken for granted, are the most important and valuable.
Happy Thanksgiving!
